Projects // Reusing old folders.

After five years of university and eternity of school before that, my pile of battered and bruised folders is tall enough to give me a good leg up to the attic (and I'm not tall).  Whilst it is tempting to buy new stationary each September, the back to school vibe is deeply rooted in my soul, the poverty that this many years of schooling has generated makes this wishful thinking.  So instead I spent the day salvaging my old folders and actually by the end, I felt pretty smug.  They make a cute bundle.

Here is a IKEA-esque pictographic representation of what I did.  But with slightly clearer instructions.

Apologies for the slightly lousy photographs, I am still adapting to the little point-and-shoot.  And maybe sulking a little.

My first quilting experience.

Firstly, before I get to the 'meat' of this post, I thought I would share the fact that I am now officially on the Instagram bandwagon.  And oh boy do I take back my previous sniping on the subject.  Tacky fake filters and vignettes, I love you.  Here is my first week through the lens of a Nokia.

Anywhoo, continuing with my drive for some consistency in this blog, Friday is going to become (whilst my enthusiasm and inspiration is maintained) a sort of project-y day.

Yesterday afternoon I was rummaging through my crafts box desperately trying to find some waxed linen cord to reproduce a button bracelet I found on pinterest, when I discovered a wodge of pre-cut fabric squares I bought in an Oxfam charity shop about two years ago.  Having recently read about Elise's dabbling with quilts, I decided what better way to give quilt making a go  than with cheap fabric, that is pre-cut, and that has been taking up valuable craft box space for some time!  The button bracelet will simply have to wait.

It took about half an hour to bodge the pile of squares together.  The squares were not entirely even, I briefly contemplated cutting them but instead decided to wing it and see what happened.  I think it is pretty neat looking myself.  I just have to figure out how to turn it into an actual quilt now...and then decide what use a quilt that 85cm x 85cm actually has!

If this works out then I will embark on an actual, real sized quilt.  I have always wanted a snuggly grey and pale pink floral quilt for the bed and if I just get on and make it, James can't really complain at the colour scheme!

p.s.  It is actually more square than it looks in this picture - it just needs a bit of an iron.

Finally catching up on some projects.

This last week I actually managed to tick off a few of the projects I have been longing to do.  Every time I find something I wish I could do, whether it is culinary, decorative, paper, reading, knitting or travel based, I quickly print it off and add it to the folder.  Which is technically now a folder and pile.  Two piles.  

Sat on the sofa, leafing through the pile folder, I found the perfect rainy-afternoon-watching-a-movie project.  Whilst I may no longer be thirteen, realising that it is technically not too late to become one of those girls that are able to make the best friendship bracelets felt pretty sweet.  Sadly, now not being thirteen, I don't suppose it holds the same status it used to (and I still don't seem to be able to make them as well as 'Emz' could in Year 8).  But nonetheless I did it and I am currently proudly sporting my creation (okay as an anklet, under tights but that doesn't mean I'm not proud).

I also had another go at this project, making your own coaster set from cheap tiles.  My first attempt used glittery modpodge and resulted in the photograph of James looking a little like Twilight Fan Art.  This time I was restricted to using pictures of flowers.

Additionally, I was taught to crochet small stars this week by a very patient family member and when eventually all their limbs (prongs?  arms?) are the same size and without holes, I may share a photo of them too!

The birthday Olympics.

Over the weekend it was this lovely girl's birthday:

So we created the Birthday Olympics in her honour.  

I compiled a selection of some of the best party games I have played since starting university and some that I have always wanted to play.  (If you'd like a go at your own birthday Olympics you can download our Schedule by clicking this link).  The boys were in charge of the sports gear; think unitards, speedos, legwarmers and bandannas!  Score boards were drawn up, certificates printed and prizes decided upon.  It was a grueling competition but ultimately the best man won... me.

It was a fantastic night but be warned, if you host your own Olympics, some of the games more than a little embarrassing and marshmallows, toothpicks, pennies, a ball, lots of space and a good cocktail recipe are all required!

Have fun!

A birthday adventure....

Although a little late I really wanted to share the mini-adventure created for James' birthday.  I used the tutorial (available here) to make a collection of envelopes that I tied up and gave him as a birthday card.  In each envelope was a letter encompassing a different stage of our adventure.

The first card included instructions to find the present pile (which I foolishly forgot to photograph).

The second card indicated how we were to forage for breakfast; it was an arduous forage for croissants and coffee in the park...

The third card detailed our voyage to see the wild animals necessary for any adventure (and  importantly included the necessary maps). 

The fourth phase was a surprise meeting with other travellers; friends and family met us at the zoo)

The fifth stage of our adventure involved spying on fellow travellers (a trip to the Camera Obscura in Bristol). Sadly it was closed however the incredible view over Bristol made the climb  totally worthwhile.

The sixth phase of our, now a bit sleepy, journey was to hunt down dinner - we bravely captured squid ink pasta and scallops at Jamie's Italian.  Pretty good hunting I'd say.

The seventh and final phase of the journey was a night of roughing it like true adventurers.

I love a good adventure.  Where would you go on yours?

The Burning House

If you haven't already seen this you really should stop reading here, quickly, and go and visit The Burning House blog.  The concept of the site is simple; what would you rescue if your house was on fire?  Okay, in practical terms, we all know you cannot really save your piano/antique furniture/best saucepans from the blaze.  Years of school fire drills mean upon hearing a fire alarm I have an overwhelming desire to queue quietly near an exit, not even dreaming of picking up the pencilcase readily available in front of me in order to avoid the lecture on how irresponsible it is to save material possessions.  But imagine you could, imagine you had time to dig out those old photos and grab the pets from their cages, what would you take?  I would love to know what you would save.

(If you're interested you can see my full submission here)

A little late for Easter

Sadly, in my typical pre-exam organised fashion, this little Bunny Rabbit was not ready in time for Easter Sunday.  He is my post-Easter-bunny instead.  I got the pattern here but simplifed a little, the bow-tie seemed a little unnecessary for this little chap! 

I love love love Easter (not just for the chocolate) but I love what a 'no-pressure' holiday it is.  Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, but Easter is a far more relaxing break!  Plus, I love those funny little pompom chicks that are sold everywhere, as apparently does my mother's dog, poor soggy chicks.

Now I have no excuse except to get on knitting these cushion covers for my mum though, expanses of grey just don't have the same magic as fluffy bunnies.